For every place that you pick as a holiday destination, there is a list of must see, must buy, must eat, which basically sums up to the all important must do. Visiting a new place but not indulging in certain activities when there is almost like a waste of a trip! A holiday in Hong Kong is no exception to that rule. Hong Kong is a beautiful city that offers a plethora of things to do during your stay there. You could have some really productive days when in the city. Right from learning about the cultures and beliefs of Hong Kong, to exploring a wilder side and doing more fun things, there's an option available for all. Although now, I'd much rather we deal with the more fun aspect of it. Take a look at some of the best things to do in Hong Kong.
Top 10 Things to Do in Hong Kong
See the Giant Buddha Statue
It may not sound like one of those "fun things" to do if you very simply are looking to spend some casual and laid-back time in Hong Kong, but it is something that you definitely must find the time for. Also known as the Tian Tan Buddha Statue, this magnificent bronze sculpting of Buddha is as tall as 34 meters, and weighs as much as 250 tonnes. Located in the Po Lin Monastery in Lantau, this prominent statue of Buddha attracts close to a million visitors annually, so you know you are missing out on something if you don't go there.
Visit Victoria Peak
Another one of those things that every tourist has to do when in Hong Kong, is to take the steep peak tram and head to Victoria Peak. The primary reason for a visit to Victoria Park is to get an absolutely astonishingly beautiful view of the entire city. But wait, that isn't all. For those of you who've always wanted to visit it, there is also the Madame Tussaud Wax Museum. And if even that isn't enough, there are innumerable stores that could satiate your shopping needs. For those of you who are wondering, the place is indeed named after the British crowned head, Queen Victoria.
Visit the Temples
The oriental culture missing temples is rather unlikely. You could find some of the most beautiful temples ever, in Hong Kong. I'm sure any follower of Buddhism or Taoism who has visited them will agree. With over 600 temples, some being as old as 700 years or even more, you know there is ample to pick from if and when you decide to indulge in a visit to the numerous temples that Hong Kong has to offer. Here are a few suggestion of ones that you must go to... Sha Tin Che Kung Temple, Lo Pan Temple, Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery, Yuk Wong Po Tin (Jade Emperor Temple).
Trip to Disneyland
Now this may not be the real thing, but it sure is a great substitute to the one in California. Truth be told, if it's called Disneyland, your children will go happily, irrespective of where in the world it is. In fact, this most positively is one of the best ways to spend some quality time when in Hong Kong with the kids in tow. In addition to a day filled with fun (and lots of it), you can wait on until 9 pm and watch the fireworks light up the night sky. Stay on at one of the Disneyland hotels after a day like that, and there's not doubt about the fact that you will have happy children for the rest of your stay in Hong Kong.
Make a trip to the Hong Kong Museum of History
If you are looking to spend an extremely concrete day and have absolutely no qualms about it being an intelligent way of passing time, go to the Hong Kong Museum of History. As unenterprising a "must do" as it may sound to some, it is unquestionably the best way to spend hours of your day, and leaving you satisfied at the end of it. Whether it is archaeology that you are keen about, or even natural or local history, this museum will act as your one stop shop for it all. For those of you who aren't too big on history, other museums worth a visit are, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong Heritage Museum, Hong Kong Science Museum, Hong Kong Space Museum, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong Maritime Museum, amongst several others.
Shop at Stanley Market
It may come across as odd or unlikely, but if there's one thing that most tourists (or maybe every tourist) do is to visit and shop at Stanley Market. The perfect place for all those people who have unbeatable bargaining skills, shopping at Stanley Market is all about anything and everything you could ever be looking for. Right from curios for your personal collection, to little souvenirs to take back for friends back home, you name it, they have it. Jewelry, garments, electronics, furniture... You really would find anything under the sun at this place.
Check out the Symphony of Lights
A dramatically gorgeous light show that would be worth every minute of your time is the Symphony of Lights at the Avenue of Stars. A breathtaking view of Hong Kong and the harbor, this would be the most spectacular one and a half hours you could ever spend in this city. As if the view of the Victoria Harbor isn't stunning enough with the laser show that you would witness here, the cherry on the top is the unlimited drinks served from the open bar. Need much more? Just in case you do, there is some good music and commentary to accompany it too. Now, I'm sure you couldn't want more than that.
Ride the Star Ferry
Ever noticed how there are some things that every tourist does, no matter what! Well, here's another one of them... Riding the Star Ferry is a must when you are in Hong Kong. It's just one of those "top things" that you by no means can miss out on. A rather inexpensive ride from Kowloon to Central, or even the other way round, if you'd prefer, this ferry ride is one of the best ways to see the city like it is. Ask around, and you'll see that some people swear by this method of seeing the "true" Hong Kong.
Take a Free Tai Chi Class
If you are in Hong Kong, and you love martial arts, you can't not take a free tai chi lesson or two. Receiving tai chi training from trained instructors (for free) never hurt anybody. Held early in the morning, roughly three or four times a week, it isn't uncommon to see people practicing this martial art throughout the city. To add to its convenience, these classes are held at prominent locations, thus making it easy for an out-of-towner to attend them too. Nothing quite like fitness for free, now is there?
Sightseeing on the Bus & Visit the Beaches
Now this is definitely no shocker. This is the "must do" that must be done, for if it isn't, it makes you a bad tourist!! (Just kidding). The point of a visit to any new place is to get to see it in its true element, and honestly, there's no better way of doing that than by hopping on to one of those buses or trams that promise you the best sight seeing experience ever. As cliched as it may sound, you may as well get as "touristy" as you can. Another option that's equally laid-back and perfect for a day when you don't want to do much, is to check out the beaches. A few worth going to would be Repulse Bay, Butterfly Beach, Shek O Beach, Cheung Sha Beach, and even Tung Ping Chau.
So, those were the top 10 things to do in Hong Kong. If it seemed insufficient, and you want more, here's a random list of other options that should help...
Other Fun Things to Do in Hong Kong
★ Get a view of Hong Kong with a helicopter ride (expensive, but worth it if you can afford it)
★ Enjoy a Chinese Festival (if there are any during your stay)
★ Explore the Kamikaze Caves on Lamma Islands
★ Get experimental and eat at a Dai Pai Dong
★ Go to the Happy Valley Racecourse
★ Make a trip to Macau for a day
★ Go to Chungking Mansions
★ Go Pink Dolphin watching
★ Check out Causeway Bay
★ Visit Mong Kok
★ Eat dim sum
★ Go hiking
Hopefully the above mentioned list of things to do was worth your while. If you are big party goer, you wouldn't be disappointed either, for Hong Kong is not a city that disappoints. Work your way around the place, explore a little, have some fun, and it could turn into the best time that anyone has ever had in Hong Kong.
Top 10 Things to Do in Hong Kong
See the Giant Buddha Statue
It may not sound like one of those "fun things" to do if you very simply are looking to spend some casual and laid-back time in Hong Kong, but it is something that you definitely must find the time for. Also known as the Tian Tan Buddha Statue, this magnificent bronze sculpting of Buddha is as tall as 34 meters, and weighs as much as 250 tonnes. Located in the Po Lin Monastery in Lantau, this prominent statue of Buddha attracts close to a million visitors annually, so you know you are missing out on something if you don't go there.
Visit Victoria Peak
Another one of those things that every tourist has to do when in Hong Kong, is to take the steep peak tram and head to Victoria Peak. The primary reason for a visit to Victoria Park is to get an absolutely astonishingly beautiful view of the entire city. But wait, that isn't all. For those of you who've always wanted to visit it, there is also the Madame Tussaud Wax Museum. And if even that isn't enough, there are innumerable stores that could satiate your shopping needs. For those of you who are wondering, the place is indeed named after the British crowned head, Queen Victoria.
Visit the Temples
The oriental culture missing temples is rather unlikely. You could find some of the most beautiful temples ever, in Hong Kong. I'm sure any follower of Buddhism or Taoism who has visited them will agree. With over 600 temples, some being as old as 700 years or even more, you know there is ample to pick from if and when you decide to indulge in a visit to the numerous temples that Hong Kong has to offer. Here are a few suggestion of ones that you must go to... Sha Tin Che Kung Temple, Lo Pan Temple, Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery, Yuk Wong Po Tin (Jade Emperor Temple).
Trip to Disneyland
Now this may not be the real thing, but it sure is a great substitute to the one in California. Truth be told, if it's called Disneyland, your children will go happily, irrespective of where in the world it is. In fact, this most positively is one of the best ways to spend some quality time when in Hong Kong with the kids in tow. In addition to a day filled with fun (and lots of it), you can wait on until 9 pm and watch the fireworks light up the night sky. Stay on at one of the Disneyland hotels after a day like that, and there's not doubt about the fact that you will have happy children for the rest of your stay in Hong Kong.
Make a trip to the Hong Kong Museum of History
If you are looking to spend an extremely concrete day and have absolutely no qualms about it being an intelligent way of passing time, go to the Hong Kong Museum of History. As unenterprising a "must do" as it may sound to some, it is unquestionably the best way to spend hours of your day, and leaving you satisfied at the end of it. Whether it is archaeology that you are keen about, or even natural or local history, this museum will act as your one stop shop for it all. For those of you who aren't too big on history, other museums worth a visit are, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong Heritage Museum, Hong Kong Science Museum, Hong Kong Space Museum, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong Maritime Museum, amongst several others.
Shop at Stanley Market
It may come across as odd or unlikely, but if there's one thing that most tourists (or maybe every tourist) do is to visit and shop at Stanley Market. The perfect place for all those people who have unbeatable bargaining skills, shopping at Stanley Market is all about anything and everything you could ever be looking for. Right from curios for your personal collection, to little souvenirs to take back for friends back home, you name it, they have it. Jewelry, garments, electronics, furniture... You really would find anything under the sun at this place.
Check out the Symphony of Lights
A dramatically gorgeous light show that would be worth every minute of your time is the Symphony of Lights at the Avenue of Stars. A breathtaking view of Hong Kong and the harbor, this would be the most spectacular one and a half hours you could ever spend in this city. As if the view of the Victoria Harbor isn't stunning enough with the laser show that you would witness here, the cherry on the top is the unlimited drinks served from the open bar. Need much more? Just in case you do, there is some good music and commentary to accompany it too. Now, I'm sure you couldn't want more than that.
Ride the Star Ferry
Ever noticed how there are some things that every tourist does, no matter what! Well, here's another one of them... Riding the Star Ferry is a must when you are in Hong Kong. It's just one of those "top things" that you by no means can miss out on. A rather inexpensive ride from Kowloon to Central, or even the other way round, if you'd prefer, this ferry ride is one of the best ways to see the city like it is. Ask around, and you'll see that some people swear by this method of seeing the "true" Hong Kong.
Take a Free Tai Chi Class
If you are in Hong Kong, and you love martial arts, you can't not take a free tai chi lesson or two. Receiving tai chi training from trained instructors (for free) never hurt anybody. Held early in the morning, roughly three or four times a week, it isn't uncommon to see people practicing this martial art throughout the city. To add to its convenience, these classes are held at prominent locations, thus making it easy for an out-of-towner to attend them too. Nothing quite like fitness for free, now is there?
Sightseeing on the Bus & Visit the Beaches
Now this is definitely no shocker. This is the "must do" that must be done, for if it isn't, it makes you a bad tourist!! (Just kidding). The point of a visit to any new place is to get to see it in its true element, and honestly, there's no better way of doing that than by hopping on to one of those buses or trams that promise you the best sight seeing experience ever. As cliched as it may sound, you may as well get as "touristy" as you can. Another option that's equally laid-back and perfect for a day when you don't want to do much, is to check out the beaches. A few worth going to would be Repulse Bay, Butterfly Beach, Shek O Beach, Cheung Sha Beach, and even Tung Ping Chau.
So, those were the top 10 things to do in Hong Kong. If it seemed insufficient, and you want more, here's a random list of other options that should help...
Other Fun Things to Do in Hong Kong
★ Get a view of Hong Kong with a helicopter ride (expensive, but worth it if you can afford it)
★ Enjoy a Chinese Festival (if there are any during your stay)
★ Explore the Kamikaze Caves on Lamma Islands
★ Get experimental and eat at a Dai Pai Dong
★ Go to the Happy Valley Racecourse
★ Make a trip to Macau for a day
★ Go to Chungking Mansions
★ Go Pink Dolphin watching
★ Check out Causeway Bay
★ Visit Mong Kok
★ Eat dim sum
★ Go hiking
Hopefully the above mentioned list of things to do was worth your while. If you are big party goer, you wouldn't be disappointed either, for Hong Kong is not a city that disappoints. Work your way around the place, explore a little, have some fun, and it could turn into the best time that anyone has ever had in Hong Kong.
No comments:
Post a Comment